Latest news with #Castilian
Local Spain
6 days ago
- Climate
- Local Spain
The best Galician words and expressions to help you sound like a local
Galician or gallego is one of Spain's four official languages recognised by the constitution along with Castilian (Spanish), Catalan and Basque. It is spoken mainly in the region of Galicia by some 2.2 million people and has a lot of similarities with Portuguese. Here are some interesting Galician words and phrases that you should know. Morriña – To miss one's home or native land. In the dictionary it's defined as "sadness or melancholy, especially nostalgia for one's native land," and it's also one of the most commonly used terms among non-Galicians. Some Galicians also use it when they mean that they miss their friends and family too. Luar – A beautiful word to refer to the light reflected by the moon, similar to moonlight in English. Luscofusco – Another lovely word to describe light, luscofusco is the moment between night and day when all the light has almost completely disappeared and all you can see are shadows. The translation could be similar to dusk or twilight in English. Chosco – This simply means blind. It could be temporarily blind if the sun gets in your eyes or someone who is blind because of a medical or physical condition. Bico – Bico means kiss, like the Spanish word beso, but in gallego. Orballo – According to language experts Galician has around 70 words to describe rain – well it is one of the wettest places in Spain. Orballo is the type of very light rain that drenches you without you even realising it. Other rain words are Battuere used for intense rain and Torbón when rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Malo Ser á – This is the unique style of Galician optimism in any given situation. Literally it means that everything is going to be ok. Foliada – This is a typical type of Galician party or as the official dictionary describes it "a nightly gathering of people to have fun, sing and dance". It usually involves Galician bagpipes and tambourines. Afouteza – This translates as courage, to have the disposition or spirit to do something without fear of dangers or difficulties. It could also be used to describe a person as bold too. Larpeiro – Someone who likes to eat a lot and is gluttonous or a greedy eater who consumes more than they need. Enxebre – This doesn't really have a direct translation in Spanish or English. It means something that is pure, authentic and untainted. It could also be a characteristic of a country or region and that is not falsified, deformed or mixed with anything foreign, similar to purebred. Polbo – This is one word that you might hear in Galicia a lot because it means octopus, which is a very popular dish there. It can be confusing, however, because the word polvo, pronounced similarly to polbo means powder in Spanish. So when someone in Galicia is offering you a plate of polbo, it's probably octopus and not powder. Quérote – No you're not telling someone you want tea, this actually means ' te quiero ' in Spanish or I love you in English. Xeito: xeito, it means doing things well and with artistry and skill.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Brazilian Ronaldo sells majority stake in Real Valladolid after six-year spell
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazrio has ended his controversial tenure as majority owner of Real Valladolid, selling his controlling stake to a North American investment group, the club confirmed on Friday. The sale marks the conclusion of a six-year spell marked by moments of hope, recurring setbacks, and mounting frustration from fans and local announcement comes just a day before Valladolid's final match of a dismal season, where they will face Legans sitting bottom of the table with only 16 points. Their relegation from LaLiga was sealed in April, capping off one of the worst campaigns in the club's recent history, with 29 defeats and two managerial 48, acquired a 51% stake in Valladolid in 2018 for around 30 million, bringing with him the global stature of a two-time World Cup winner and one of the game's most iconic strikers. His arrival sparked excitement and optimism in the Castilian city, with hopes that his experience and connections could elevate the modest club into a sustainable LaLiga presence. Instead, his tenure has seen Valladolid relegated three times - in the 2020-21, 2022-23, and now 2024-25 seasons. While the club bounced back quickly after the first two drops, this latest relegation seems to have broken what was left of the bond between Ronaldo and the season in particular has seen the relationship between Ronaldo and the club deteriorate beyond repair. The former striker was largely absent from matches, reportedly attending only three Valladolid games all season while being seen more frequently at Real Madrid fixtures and even tennis tournaments. One protest by fans involved throwing tennis balls onto the pitch in outrage after Ronaldo was spotted at a professional tennis event instead of supporting his situation prompted frequent calls from fans and public officials alike for his departure, making the eventual sale widely welcomed in Valladolid. The club revealed that Ronaldo had reached an agreement with a yet-unnamed North American investment group to sell his majority share, pending approval from the club's Advisory Board. Further details on the financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, although it's believed Ronaldo was initially seeking 40 million for his isn't Ronaldo's first exit from club ownership. In 2023, he sold his majority stake in Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he began his professional career, after a similarly contentious the full impact of his departure remains to be seen, many in Valladolid will view it as a chance for a fresh start. The new ownership group, though still under wraps, will be tasked with restoring trust, stability, and ultimately, LaLiga status to a club that has endured years of yo-yo fortunes under one of football's most storied names.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Been to Barcelona? Now try Spain's lesser-known cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). With Spain receiving record-breaking numbers of international visitors in the past two years — up to 94 million last year — it pays to hunt out its quiet corners. And there are plenty of areas where travellers have yet to claim a stake. While major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville justifiably receive millions of visitors a year, the country is packed with dozens of disarmingly beautiful and fascinating smaller centres that can get overlooked. Many of these have equally exciting gastronomy scenes, thriving arts cultures and curious historical treasures worth exploring — and you'll get to experience them with far fewer crowds. Best for: the food sceneIf Madrid's fabled cocktail of architecture, gastronomy and nightlife appeals, Salamanca in the neighbouring Castilla y León region makes a tempting alternative. Easily reached by train from Madrid in just 1.5 hours, this long-established university city reportedly has one of the highest ratios of tapas bars to people in Spain. It's also home to one of the country's most spectacular squares, the baroque Plaza Mayor, which is lined with bar-terrace tables and buzzing in the evening. Explore Salamanca's 800-year-old university, with its elaborately carved facade, and the city's two adjoined cathedrals. The oldest, Catedral Vieja, is mostly Romanesque, while the other is a later mix of gothic and renaissance style. Then dive into the world of Castilian dishes and wines, perhaps at Tapas 3.0 or Cuzco Bodega. Best for: a UNESCO-listed old townThe capital of Spain until 1561, Toledo is a popular day-trip destination from Madrid. Cáceres, on the other hand, requires a little more effort to reach and receives far fewer visitors — but the reward is its Ciudad Monumental, a hauntingly beautiful walled old town that's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. A three-hour train journey from Madrid into the Extremadura region immerses you in this stone-built maze whose roots date back to the Romans. Today it's best known for its noble gothic-renaissance buildings, but also retains lofty watchtowers and other relics from its time under medieval Islamic rule. This is a city with serious art credentials too: the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Helga de Alvear houses pieces by Francisco de Goya, Antoni Tàpies and Ai Weiwei. Best for: Basque bar crawlsQuieter yet equally as interesting as its extrovert sibling San Sebastián, just over an hour's drive to the north, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Basque Country's often-overlooked capital. Though it's off the coastal path, the city is home to superb food and architecture and receives far fewer tourists. The steep, narrow streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz's medieval Old Town are lined with prize-winning pintxos bars that compete to create the most tantalising, innovative culinary creations. Elsewhere you'll find gothic cathedrals and belle époque villas as well as grand, leafy boulevards and a clutch of museums. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also one of Spain's most sustainable cities, with pedestrianised streets, eco-friendly hotels and restaurants and a 'green ring' of leafy spaces circling the city. Best for: Andalucian atmosphereWhile Seville has risen to become one of Spain's most popular city breaks, its little brother Granada remains mostly known for its UNESCO-designated Alhambra palace and fortress. But there's far more to this intimate city, which echoes Seville's Moorish monuments, fiery flamenco and terrific tapas scene, yet has its own lively twist. Stay a few days to roam the sloping Albaicín district, where locals and visitors gather on broad terraces to catch views across terracotta rooftops to the Alhambra, backed by the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. Just behind the Catedral de Granada, the Mercado de San Agustín has counters overflowing with fresh produce, such as jamón from Trevélez in the Alpujarras hills. In neighbouring Realejo, the historical Jewish quarter, people spill out of busy bars and restaurants like Candela, Taberna La Tana or Cisco y Tierra. Best for: galleries & beach cultureSunny Málaga has firmly put itself on Spain's flourishing art map in the last decade or so — and not just as the birthplace of Picasso. The pedestrianised historic centre rewards gallery-hopping itineraries taking in highlights such as the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, crammed with Spanish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Stroll over to the revamped Soho district to catch street art by both Malagueño and international artists, or wander through the lush Parque de Málaga to the local offshoot of the Paris-born Centre Pompidou. Nearby, Malagueta beach has great swimming off its silver-tinged sandy strand and a string of chiringuitos (beach restaurants) cooking espetos (fish skewers, traditionally made with sardines) on open-air grills. Throw in a flourishing tapas culture, a wave of stylish rooftop bars and Mercado de Atarazanas — one of southern Spain's finest markets — for a genuine rival to crowded Barcelona. Best for: Moorish architectureThe entrancing Mezquita of Córdoba deservedly bags a top spot on any Andalucia itinerary, but there are other Moorish legacies worthy of travellers' attentions. Now with a growing number of direct flights from the UK, coastal Almería has its own story to tell about this key chapter of Spain's past. Often overlooked by international visitors, the city was a major Islamic-era port, as still shown by the grand, sand-hued Alcazaba (fortress) looming above its whitewashed homes. The building dates to the 11th century and has palm-filled gardens with trickling fountains and pools reminiscent of Granada's Alhambra. Spend the rest of your time wandering through the medieval old town and squeezing into tapas bars for local specialities such asmigas (flour or breadcrumbs fried with garlic and perhaps anchovies or chorizo) or Alpujarras cheese. Also on Almería's doorstep are the peaceful, sun-toasted beaches of the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
23-05-2025
- National Geographic
Been to Barcelona? Now try Spain's lesser-known cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). With Spain receiving record-breaking numbers of international visitors in the past two years — up to 94 million last year — it pays to hunt out its quiet corners. And there are plenty of areas where travellers have yet to claim a stake. While major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville justifiably receive millions of visitors a year, the country is packed with dozens of disarmingly beautiful and fascinating smaller centres that can get overlooked. Many of these have equally exciting gastronomy scenes, thriving arts cultures and curious historical treasures worth exploring — and you'll get to experience them with far fewer crowds. Swap Madrid for Salamanca Best for: the food scene If Madrid's fabled cocktail of architecture, gastronomy and nightlife appeals, Salamanca in the neighbouring Castilla y León region makes a tempting alternative. Easily reached by train from Madrid in just 1.5 hours, this long-established university city reportedly has one of the highest ratios of tapas bars to people in Spain. It's also home to one of the country's most spectacular squares, the baroque Plaza Mayor, which is lined with bar-terrace tables and buzzing in the evening. Explore Salamanca's 800-year-old university, with its elaborately carved facade, and the city's two adjoined cathedrals. The oldest, Catedral Vieja, is mostly Romanesque, while the other is a later mix of gothic and renaissance style. Then dive into the world of Castilian dishes and wines, perhaps at Tapas 3.0 or Cuzco Bodega. Swap Toledo for Cáceres Best for: a UNESCO-listed old town The capital of Spain until 1561, Toledo is a popular day-trip destination from Madrid. Cáceres, on the other hand, requires a little more effort to reach and receives far fewer visitors — but the reward is its Ciudad Monumental, a hauntingly beautiful walled old town that's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. A three-hour train journey from Madrid into the Extremadura region immerses you in this stone-built maze whose roots date back to the Romans. Today it's best known for its noble gothic-renaissance buildings, but also retains lofty watchtowers and other relics from its time under medieval Islamic rule. This is a city with serious art credentials too: the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Helga de Alvear houses pieces by Francisco de Goya, Antoni Tàpies and Ai Weiwei. Swap San Sebastián for Vitoria-Gasteiz Best for: Basque bar crawls Quieter yet equally as interesting as its extrovert sibling San Sebastián, just over an hour's drive to the north, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Basque Country's often-overlooked capital. Though it's off the coastal path, the city is home to superb food and architecture and receives far fewer tourists. The steep, narrow streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz's medieval Old Town are lined with prize-winning pintxos bars that compete to create the most tantalising, innovative culinary creations. Elsewhere you'll find gothic cathedrals and belle époque villas as well as grand, leafy boulevards and a clutch of museums. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also one of Spain's most sustainable cities, with pedestrianised streets, eco-friendly hotels and restaurants and a 'green ring' of leafy spaces circling the city. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Helga de Alvear in Cáceres houses pieces by Francisco de Goya, Antoni Tàpies and Ai Weiwei. Photograph by Museo Helga de Alvear Swap Seville for Granada Best for: Andalucian atmosphere While Seville has risen to become one of Spain's most popular city breaks, its little brother Granada remains mostly known for its UNESCO-designated Alhambra palace and fortress. But there's far more to this intimate city, which echoes Seville's Moorish monuments, fiery flamenco and terrific tapas scene, yet has its own lively twist. Stay a few days to roam the sloping Albaicín district, where locals and visitors gather on broad terraces to catch views across terracotta rooftops to the Alhambra, backed by the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. Just behind the Catedral de Granada, the Mercado de San Agustín has counters overflowing with fresh produce, such as jamón from Trevélez in the Alpujarras hills. In neighbouring Realejo, the historical Jewish quarter, people spill out of busy bars and restaurants like Candela, Taberna La Tana or Cisco y Tierra. Swap Barcelona for Málaga Best for: galleries & beach culture Sunny Málaga has firmly put itself on Spain's flourishing art map in the last decade or so — and not just as the birthplace of Picasso. The pedestrianised historic centre rewards gallery-hopping itineraries taking in highlights such as the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, crammed with Spanish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Stroll over to the revamped Soho district to catch street art by both Malagueño and international artists, or wander through the lush Parque de Málaga to the local offshoot of the Paris-born Centre Pompidou. Nearby, Malagueta beach has great swimming off its silver-tinged sandy strand and a string of chiringuitos (beach restaurants) cooking espetos (fish skewers, traditionally made with sardines) on open-air grills. Throw in a flourishing tapas culture, a wave of stylish rooftop bars and Mercado de Atarazanas — one of southern Spain's finest markets — for a genuine rival to crowded Barcelona. Swap Córdoba for Almería Best for: Moorish architecture The entrancing Mezquita of Córdoba deservedly bags a top spot on any Andalucia itinerary, but there are other Moorish legacies worthy of travellers' attentions. Now with a growing number of direct flights from the UK, coastal Almería has its own story to tell about this key chapter of Spain's past. Often overlooked by international visitors, the city was a major Islamic-era port, as still shown by the grand, sand-hued Alcazaba (fortress) looming above its whitewashed homes. The building dates to the 11th century and has palm-filled gardens with trickling fountains and pools reminiscent of Granada's Alhambra. Spend the rest of your time wandering through the medieval old town and squeezing into tapas bars for local specialities such asmigas (flour or breadcrumbs fried with garlic and perhaps anchovies or chorizo) or Alpujarras cheese. Also on Almería's doorstep are the peaceful, sun-toasted beaches of the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Local Spain
19-05-2025
- General
- Local Spain
Why is Spanish called 'castellano' in Spain?
spanish language Have you ever wondered why the Spanish language is usually called Castilian or 'castellano' in Spain and not Spanish? The answer is down to geography, history and culture. If you've ever taken language lessons, Spanish will of course be called Spanish. But when you arrive in Spain, you'll find all the locals calling it castellano or Castilian instead. So why is this? Why do Spaniards have a different name for their own language? Firstly, Spaniards are distinguishing castellano – what foreigners know as Spanish, from the other four official languages in Spain. These are Catalan, Basque, Galician and Valencian. There are also more minority languages and dialects such as Aragonese, Aranés and Leonés. Secondly, it also differentiates between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the Spanish spoken in Latin America. Although they're the same language, there are many differences in the vocabulary, grammar and of course accent. Castellano or Spanish is the official language of the whole of Spain, but there are some other regions which have two official languages such as Catalonia, where Castilian and Catalan are used. Castellano is named after the Kingdom of Castile, which predates the existence of modern Spain. The territory occupying a large part of northern half of Spain is where the language was first spoken. It began as dialect spoken in this area and later became the language of the court of the kingdoms of Castile and León in the 12th century. Spain was not always one country with one official language, in fact it was made up of several different kingdoms. The unification of Spain began with the marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragón with Isabella I of Castile in 1496. This united the two kingdoms of Aragón and Castile – the two largest territories in the Iberian peninsula. At that time the Kingdom of Aragón included Catalonia, Mallorca, Valencia, Sicily and Sardinia, while the kingdom of Castile included Castile and León, Asturias, Galicia, Extremadura and then domains conquered from the Moors such as Córdoba, Murcia, Jaén and Seville. Castilian wasn't even close to being the majority language on the peninsula at this time, however. In Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Asturias and the eastern half of Andalusia, it hadn't even been heard of. And only some people in León, Aragón, Navarre and the Basque Country knew it or were at least familiar with the Castilian language, as they were closer geographically. Even the people who all spoken Castilian in different areas of the country found it difficult to understand each other because of the change in dialects and accents. In 1492, Antonio de Nebrija - the most influential lexicographer and grammarian of his time - completed a book called Grammar of the Castilian Language. This was the first publication that actually pulled the Castilian language all together and set out its rules. This was also the year the same year in which the last Moorish stronghold of Granada fell to the crown. So, by this point, much of what we now know as Spain was coming together as one. Nebrija was a friend of Queen Isabella I, and as Castilian was already the official language of the courts of Castile, he was able to influence her to promote the language across the parts of the country she ruled along with Spain's other Catholic Monarch, Ferdinand of Aragon. Over time, through various power struggles between merchants and other influential figures across the country, Castilian came out on top as the most dominant language. It's important to remember, however, that it didn't become the dominant language everywhere – Catalan and Valenciano still reigned in the east of the country – as it still does to this day – and Galician and Basque were still used more in the north and northwest of Spain. This is why Castilian is often referred to as castellano in Spain. However, nobody will bat an eyelid if you refer to Spanish as español. Even Spain's Royal Academy of Language (RAE) has ruled that español and castellano are synonyms, even though in Spain castellano is a more official way of referring to what is known as Spanish to foreigners.
